StepPower: Energy Harvesting Tile

The StepPower project aims to design a tile that generates electricity from footsteps in busy public areas like pedestrian bridges, markets, and malls. The main goal is to create a low-cost, environmentally friendly system that can help power things like lights and fans using energy that would otherwise go to waste. Instead of using expensive piezoelectric materials, the team chose a mechanical approach that relies on a rack and pinion system connected to a stepper motor and spring-loaded guides. The electricity is stored in a battery for later use, and the top surface of the tile is made from recycled rubber for durability and safety. In Phase 1, the focus was on deciding the tile size, selecting the mechanical system, and finding a simple and effective way to convert motion into electricity. The design was improved based on challenges faced along the way. Phase 2 involved building the prototype, 3D printing custom parts, collecting components, and assembling everything into one working system. A public survey was also conducted to gather feedback and see how people reacted to the idea. This report explains the design process, shows the detailed drawings and real-life parts, and outlines the steps taken so far to bring the concept closer to reality.